Quintana Roo 3rd in National Digital Violence – Alarming Trends & Impacts

Quintana Roo, a region in Mexico, has been identified as the third highest in the nation for cases of digital violence. This issue predominantly affects minors, highlighting the need for preventative measures and education. The data was provided by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) and various specialist organizations, as reported by Janet Figueroa from the Governmental Opening area of the Transparency Unit of the municipality of Benito Juárez.

Digital violence can take many forms, including cyberbullying, non-consensual sharing of intimate photos or videos, and "sexting". Alarmingly, children under 12 years old are increasingly engaging in these behaviors.

Figueroa expressed concern about the emotional impact of digital violence, particularly the distress caused when personal photos are shared without consent. Minors often do not fully comprehend the implications of sharing personal content online, and once an image is shared, it is impossible to completely remove it.

The rise in digital violence is largely attributed to the increasing use of social media among children and teenagers. In response, there are coordinated efforts with other municipal and state agencies to provide support to affected minors. Figueroa explained, "Through our courses, we aim to foster a culture of awareness and prevention. We need to learn how to use social media responsibly, and understand the implications of the content we upload. The internet itself is not inherently bad."

Nationally, Sinaloa and Baja California top the list of states with the highest rates of digital violence. Reports to authorities such as the cyber police and victim support platforms have surged. Figueroa emphasized the crucial role parents play in monitoring their children's online activity. While adults may not be tech-savvy, this should not prevent them from being vigilant about their children's online behavior.